Latvian Population Research Articles

Search for Disease-Specific Genetic Markers Originated from the Vitamin D Binding Protein Gene Polymorphisms in the Multiple Sclerosis Cohort in the Latvian Population.

Vitamin D is crucial for immune regulation, and its deficiency is linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). The GC gene encodes Vitamin D Binding Protein (VDBP), which regulates vitamin D transport and bioavailability. This study examines the association of GC polymorphisms (rs7041, rs4588) with MS susceptibility and their impact on 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in a Latvian cohort. This case-control study included 296 MS patients and 253 healthy controls. Genotyping of rs7041 and rs4588 was conducted using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and validated by Sanger sequencing. Plasma 25(OH)D levels were measured in 131 MS patients using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis included Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium testing, Fisher's exact test, allelic and genotypic frequency comparisons to assess MS risk, and the Kruskal-Wallis test for 25(OH)D level differences among genotypes. Our findings indicate that the rare rs7041-T and rs4588-A alleles, along with their corresponding haplotypes, exhibit a protective effect against MS (p < 0.001; OR = 0.65 for rs4588-A; p < 0.01; OR = 0.70 for rs7041-T). Conversely, the common rs7041-G and rs4588-C alleles were associated with an increased MS risk (p < 0.05). Individuals with the Gc1F/1F isotype had the highest average 25(OH)D levels (29.31 ng/mL), while Gc1S/2 carriers had the lowest (21.53 ng/mL). Our results indicate that GC polymorphisms may influence the susceptibility of Latvians to MS and vitamin D status.

Relationship of Latvian communist party and Latvian SSR KGB (1954–1991)

The Latvian Communist Party (LKP) and the Latvian KGB were the most important institutions controlling Latvian society throughout the communist occupation. Working together, the LKP and the KGB of the Latvian SSR carried out political repression of the Latvian population, which were only discontinued in the second half of 1990s. The analysis of the relationship between LKP and KGB is important as this will help to shed light on how the existing regime in Latvia carried out the repressions and controlled society. The available information suggests that in 1960–1980 the KGB of the Latvian SSR acted not only as a perpetrator but also as an initiator, promoting the improvement of the system of society’s control established in the Latvian SSR. In my opinion, full and accurate lustration is possible only subject to individual responsibility of each institution and persons, both for the repression against the population and for the control of society for the benefit of the communist regimes.

NATO's reassurance and the willingness to defend one’s country: survey evidence from Latvia

ABSTRACT Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 brings into question the significance of people’s willingness to defend their respective countries. While there have been many studies of various domestic-level factors that affect the willingness to defend one’s country, we explore the willingness to fight and defend in the NATO context. We claim that in cases of extreme military asymmetry, citizens’ willingness to defend their country depends largely on the extent to which they feel reassured by allies that military assistance will be provided in the case of armed aggression. Our study demonstrates this relationship by focusing on the case of Russia and Latvia. Using recent surveys from Latvia, we show that confidence in NATO security guarantees strongly boosts a society’s willingness to defend its country, both individually and at the national level. We conclude that while NATO deterrent effects vis-à-vis Russia remain uncertain, the effects with respect to reassuring the Latvian population are very important. Our study also points to several other crucial factors that affect citizens’ willingness to defend their country, such as confidence in the military and the government, views on an opponent’s military dominance, as well as patriotism and a strong sense of belonging to the country.

Changes in TP53 Gene, Telomere Length, and Mitochondrial DNA in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a growing issue due to an ageing population. Our study investigated the possible associations between BPH and ageing hallmarks, including the telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial genome copy number (mtDNA CN), along with genetic variations in the TP53 gene and mtDNA. Prostate tissue samples were obtained from 32 patients with BPH, together with 30 blood samples. As a healthy control group, age-matching blood DNA samples were used. For the comparison of mtDNA sequence data, 50 DNA samples of the general Latvian population were used. The full mtDNA genome was analyzed by using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), the TP53 gene by Sanger sequencing, and the mtDNA copy number (mtDNA CN) and telomere length (TL) byqPCR assay. The results showed that in BPH patients, telomeres in the prostate tissue were significantly longer than in blood cells, while the TL in blood cells of the healthy controls was the shortest. Also, the mtDNA amount in the prostate tissue of BPH patients was significantly greater in comparison with blood cells, and controls had the smallest mtDNA CN. We did not find any mutations in the TP53 gene that could be linked to BPH; however, in mtDNA, we found several unique mutations and heteroplasmic changes, as well as genetic changes that have been previously associated with prostate cancer. In conclusion, prolonged telomeres and changes in the mtDNA amount might be involved in the molecular mechanisms of BPH. Some of the heteroplasmic or homoplasmic mtDNA variants might also contribute to the development of BPH. Additional studies are needed to substantiate these findings.

Evaluation of Tonsillectomy Patients and Factors Related to Immediate Tonsillectomy

Abstract A retrospective cohort study was conducted with the aim to characterise tonsillectomy patients and identify factors related to the development of complicated cases of tonsillitis and consecutive immediate tonsillectomies in the Latvian population. The data of 493 patients were analysed. Patients were hospitalised from 1 January 2019 to 30 November 2020, for elective or immediate tonsillectomy due to recurrent tonsillitis, with or without exacerbation and complications. The patients who underwent elective tonsillectomy were younger than those who underwent immediate tonsil-lectomy. Peritonsillar abscess was more common in smokers than in non-smokers (p &lt; 0.001). Smokers had immediate tonsillectomy more often than non-smokers (p &lt; 0.001). Patients who underwent elective tonsillectomy had the shortest period of antibiotic therapy (p &lt; 0.001). Patients who had immediate tonsillectomy had a longer hospitalisation time. Immediate tonsillectomies were associated with patients of older age, smokers, longer hospitalisation, and antibacterial treatment periods. Unilateral peritonsillar abscess was the most common complication of tonsillitis, which resulted in immediate tonsillectomy.

WORKING CAPACITY FOR PERSONS WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are prevalent globally and result in substantial personal distress and significant social expenses for businesses and society. The ageing population and labor shortages exacerbate these effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of MDS on employment absenteeism and presenteeism. Two instruments, the EQ-5D and the iPCQ, were used to quantitatively survey the Latvian population. 949 respondents of working age were surveyed. From this group, 553 respondents with MSD were selected, averaging 47 years old, 50.6% of whom were men. The results showed that 7.23% experienced absenteeism in the last month. Additionally, 45.9% reported discomfort at work due to MSDs. The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire revealed a decline in health-related quality of life with increasing age, highlighting the significance of addressing the aging workforce and promoting health preservation. 38.3% of respondents with MSDs received rehabilitation interventions, which showed a moderate association with health-related quality of life. The study showed that there is a negative correlation between health-related quality of life and productivity loss. This highlights the importance of comprehensive interventions that address both the physical and psychological aspects of MSDs. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, employers, and healthcare professionals to design targeted interventions that improve the health and productivity of individuals with MSDs.

Endotypes of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Primary and Recurring Nasal Polyps in the Latvian Population.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex syndrome with various inflammatory mechanisms resulting in different patterns of inflammation that correlate with the clinical phenotypes of CRS. Our aim was to use detected IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, Ki 67, HBD-2, HBD-3, and LL-37 to classify specific inflammatory endotypes in chronic rhinosinusitis with the tissue of nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Samples from 35 individuals with primary and recurrent CRSwNP were taken during surgery. The tissues were stained for the previously mentioned biomarkers immunohistochemically. A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed. The clinical parameters were compared between clusters. Five clusters had significantly different biomarkers between groups. There were no significant differences in the clinical parameters, except for the Lund-Mackay score, which was significantly higher in cluster 4 compared to that of cluster 1 (p = 0.024). Five endotypes of (CRSwNP) are characterized by different combinations of type 1, type 2, and type 3 tissue inflammation patterns. In the Latvian population, endotypes associated with neutrophilic inflammation or a combination of neutrophilic inflammation and type 2 inflammation are predominant. Increased proliferation marker Ki 67 values are not associated with more severe inflammation in the tissue samples of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Variation of Serum Vitamin B12 Level in the Blood from Patients of Different Age Among the Latvian Population

Abstract The reference intervals and median values of serum vitamin B12 level in blood from patients among the Latvian population were established for different age groups with a two-year step using data for a large number of patients, accumulated in E. Gulbis Laboratory in Latvia. The data represents the general population of Latvia. An indirect in silico method, developed in E. Gulbis laboratory for determination of serum vitamin B12 blood level reference intervals, was used. Strong elevation of serum vitamin B12 blood level was observed in children who were between 2 and 10 years old. The paper discusses the serum vitamin B12 values for children and a different serum vitamin B12 reference interval for young children is suggested.

Assessment of Factors Related to COVID-19 Preventive Health Behaviours Using a Health Belief Model

Abstract Non-pharmaceutical interventions, including physical distancing, hand hygiene, mask wearing, are some of the most effective public health interventions against COVID-19 spread. Adoption of these measures can vary in different countries and even in different populations within a country. The goal of our study was to investigate factors that influence adoption of these preventive health behaviours in the Latvian population within the Health Belief Model framework, while also expanding on the models cues to action dimension by testing if evaluation of COVID-19-related government actions and belief in COVID-19 related conspiracy theories could be used as such. Our quantitative cross-sectional study that was carried out in Latvia before the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic included two samples of major population language groups (nLatvian = 452; nRussian = 190) and showed differences that could potentially improve adoption of preventive health behaviours in Latvia if regarded in informing and educating the public. It was also found that evaluation of COVID-19-related government actions has statistically significant impact on preventive health behaviour and could be used as cues to action within the HBM, while belief in COVID-19-related conspiracy theories had no association with preventive health behaviour.

An Occurrence Study of Mycotoxins in Plant-Based Beverages Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Mycotoxins are toxic mold metabolites that can adversely affect human and animal health. More than 400 mycotoxins have been identified so far. Cereals and nuts are the predominant mycotoxin-contaminated foodstuffs. Plant-based drinks produced from cereals, nuts, and legumes have grown in popularity. The mycotoxins accumulated in these crops may transfer to these beverages. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and optimized for the assessment of 22 mycotoxins in commercially available plant-based drinks in Latvia and Lithuania. A total of 64% of the seventy-two analyzed beverages were positive for one to sixteen mycotoxins, with deoxynivalenol, beauvericin, and enniatins A, B, B1, T-2, and HT-2 toxins detected most frequently. The European Commission has not yet set guidelines for the maximum mycotoxin concentrations in plant-based beverages, nor has the European Food Safety Authority conducted a risk assessment. Therefore, acute exposure studies were provided for the Latvian population based on the assumed replacement of dairy milk with plant-based beverages to ascertain the safety of plant-based milk substitutes. Based on the observed levels of mycotoxin prevalence and contamination levels and assumed exposure, it can be concluded that tested plant-based beverages may be relatively safe. However, exposure to emerging mycotoxins should be considered.

EVALUATION OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLE HABITS AND WELLNESS OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN A CROSS-SECTION OF FOUR ACADEMIC YEARS

Statistics on healthy lifestyle habits of Latvian population indicate that the number of adults who engage in sufficient physical activity is decreasing, and also for university students the succession of minimum physical activity is not fully ensured. Latvian National Development and Sports Policy Guidelines (Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2022), as well as other binding health policy documents contain references towards the need to support the healthy lifestyle and wellness of university students, especially highlighting the insufficient level of physical activity and emotional wellness among Latvian population, including students. The problem issue exists in the long-term spectrum, and for various reasons it is only partially possible to implement in universities the measures stated in policy documents. The aim of the study: to analyse students' healthy lifestyle habits and wellness dynamics over four years of studies, assessing the dynamics of healthy lifestyle habits and wellness level depending on the year of study, students' age and the study programme. In each academic year, the first- and second-year students were involved in the survey, a total of N=455 respondents. Research methodology: a tailored survey (Robbins, et.al., 2011), students' self-assessment of healthy lifestyle habits and levels of physical, emotional, mental, intellectual and job wellness, 86 questions in total. The results of the study indicate a decreasing tendency for the indicators of physical activity and emotional wellness, and statistically significant differences in the indicators of mental and emotional wellness can be observed depending on the age of students. No statistically significant differences were found depending on the study programme.

EFFECTS PROFESSIONAL ETHICS FOR FITNESS TRAINERS

This article is only the first step in exploring the professional ethics of fitness trainers in Latvia. Marking the discourse, looking at the theoretical frameworks and concepts, and identifying the situation are its basic elements. The next stage will be the analysis of information about the experience in other countries and primarily the Baltic countries, their comparison, discussion, conclusions, and suggestions for a more successful practice of professional ethics. Professional ethics for fitness trainers constitute a part of their professional competence, which shapes, determines and evaluates their professional activities from the perspective of ethical attitudes. The profession of a fitness trainer reflects health as a fundamental value, which sets the meaning of their professional activity as one that promotes and maintains health. This article examines the basic elements of professional ethics of fitness trainers. Their presentation in a single and logically structured form is an innovation in the literature on fitness trainers. Providing this type of information to future fitness trainers in Latvia is not only a necessary but also an urgent task. The article discusses in detail the concept of health lifestyle, the basic behavioral health lifestyles that are characteristic of the Latvian population. Fitness trainers need this background information to better fulfil their function as educators. The aim of the study is to examine the current situation with regard to codes of professional ethics and literature on professional ethics for fitness trainers and based on the literature analysis, to identify the main elements of professional ethics: levels of moral regulation, basic principles of ethics, codes, the issue of responsibility, tolerance and autonomy, trainer-client relationships, as well as the trainer’s relationship with other professionals. The article also examines the types of normative ethics (deontological, utilitarian, virtue ethics) required for ethical decision-making.

Genetic variations in Vitamin D Binding Protein (VDBP) impact vitamin D level and asthma susceptibility across the four ethnic populations.

Asthma are associated with the vitamin D axis. Genetic variations of VDBP, notably rs7041 and rs4588, influence circulating vitamin D levels. However, data on their link to asthma are inconsistent, and ethnic differences remain unclear. We explored how genetic variations in VDBP affect vitamin D levels and susceptibility to asthma across diverse ethnic populations. In our cross-ethnic study, we analyzed vitamin D levels and VDBP polymorphisms (rs7041 and rs4588) in Taiwanese, Mongolian, Lithuanian, and Latvian populations. Our study included 363 asthmatic subjects and 481 non-asthma controls. We performed genotyping for rs7041 and rs4588 and assessed serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], examining the associations between VDBP polymorphisms, vitamin D levels, and asthma. The study found significant differences in vitamin D levels among ethnic groups. Non-asthmatic individuals from Taiwan had higher concentrations, while asthma subjects in both Taiwanese and Lithuanian populations showed lower levels compared to their non-asthma counterparts (both p-value < 0.001). VDBP polymorphisms were associated with asthma in the Latvian population, with the rs7041 GG vs. GT+TT showing an odds ratio (OR) of 1.72 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-2.69, p = 0.016) and the rs4588 CC vs. CA+AA showing an OR of 1.88 (95%CI: 1.24-2.84, p = 0.003). However, this association was not observed in other populations. Our cross-ethnic study underscores the intricate relationship between VDBP genetic variations, vitamin D levels, and asthma vulnerability. The association of VDBP polymorphisms with asthma seems to differ among populations, emphasizing the importance of a nuanced comprehension of these connections.

Subjective Perception of Hybrid Threats in Latvia

The concept of hybrid threats plays an increasingly important role in the security studies agenda, as it raises awareness about the multidimensional nature of contemporary security. Hybrid threats are considered hostile activities that involve the simultaneous use of two or more types of threats and are controlled or coordinated by a specific actor, whether state or non-state. Some experts may argue that hybrid threats are the most prevalent type of threat in the European security landscape at present. As a result, the focus of research has shifted to an investigation into this phenomenon and the vulnerabilities that make a country weaker in the face of emerging hybrid threats. However, much less attention has been paid to the subjective perception of hybrid threats in particular societal and historical contexts, as well as their impact on security policy-making. This article analyses the perceptions of Latvian society in regard to its vulnerability to hybrid threats, as well as how these perceptions are reflected in the main security policy documents. It is concluded that the Latvian population recognises certain hybrid threats as being current in their security agenda. This is especially true of information and cyber threats. On the other hand, the analysis of the key national security documents reveals the lack of a well-defined agenda for preventing and combating hybrid threats.

Whole-Genome Sequencing of 502 Individuals from Latvia: The First Step towards a Population-Specific Reference of Genetic Variation.

Despite rapid improvements in the accessibility of whole-genome sequencing (WGS), understanding the extent of human genetic variation is limited by the scarce availability of genome sequences from underrepresented populations. Developing the population-scale reference database of Latvian genetic variation may fill the gap in European genomes and improve human genomics research. In this study, we analysed a high-coverage WGS dataset comprising 502 individuals selected from the Genome Database of the Latvian Population. An assessment of variant type, location in the genome, function, medical relevance, and novelty was performed, and a population-specific imputation reference panel (IRP) was developed. We identified more than 18.2 million variants in total, of which 3.3% so far are not represented in gnomAD and dbSNP databases. Moreover, we observed a notable though distinct clustering of the Latvian cohort within the European subpopulations. Finally, our findings demonstrate the improved performance of imputation of variants using the Latvian population-specific reference panel in the Latvian population compared to established IRPs. In summary, our study provides the first WGS data for a regional reference genome that will serve as a resource for the development of precision medicine and complement the global genome dataset, improving the understanding of human genetic variation.

Genetic Characteristics of Latvian Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: The First Analysis from Genome-Wide Sequencing.

There is limited data on the genetic characteristics of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in Latvia. We aim to describe monogenic variants in patients from the Latvian Registry of FH (LRFH). Whole genome sequencing with 30× coverage was performed in unrelated index cases from the LRFH and the Genome Database of Latvian Population. LDLR, APOB, PCSK9, LDLRAP1, ABCG5, ABCG8, LIPA, LPA, CYP27A1, and APOE genes were analyzed. Only variants annotated as pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) using the FH Variant Curation Expert Panel guidelines for LDLR and adaptations for APOB and PCSK9 were reported. Among 163 patients, the mean highest documented LDL-cholesterol level was 7.47 ± 1.60 mmol/L, and 79.1% of patients had LDL-cholesterol ≥6.50 mmol/L. A total of 15 P/LP variants were found in 34 patients (diagnostic yield: 20.9%): 14 in the LDLR gene and 1 in the APOB gene. Additionally, 24, 54, and 13 VUS were detected in LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9, respectively. No P/LP variants were identified in the other tested genes. Despite the high clinical likelihood of FH, confirmed P/LP variants were detected in only 20.9% of patients in the Latvian cohort when assessed with genome-wide next generation sequencing.

Clinical characteristic of hemifacial spasm patients in Latvian population

Clinical characteristic of hemifacial spasm patients in Latvian population

Macroelement Seasonal Variations in Latvian Organic Milk

Abstract Consumer perception of organic milk is associated with the assumption that organic milk differs from conventionally produced milk. The aim of the present study was to analyse calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus concentration in organic milk in the context of the season. The study was conducted from November 2019 to the end of October 2020. Over a year, raw bulk milk samples were collected and analysed. The milk for the study was supplied by two organic farms located in Latvia. Cows received a total mixed ration consisting of high moisture maize silage, grass silage, etc. The chemical composition of the total mixed rations was analysed, as well as fat, protein, lactose, milk solids non-fat, and total solids, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium content in organic milk were determined. Seasonal variation in milk composition was observed. The average calcium concentration in our study was 107.96 ± 9.61 mg·100 g−1 with a lower average concentration 97 mg·100 g−1 in organic milk in March. The concentration of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium was higher in organic milk during the spring–summer season. The sale of organic milk is growing in Latvia, and the presence of a favourable level of calcium in organic milk during the whole year should be reached, providing calcium concentration in cow’s milk around 120 mg·100 g−1 throughout the lactation period. Milk and milk products are an important part of daily nutrition, recommended to every consumer due to their wholesomeness and calcium concentration. Evaluating the bone health data of the Latvian population, 100 ml of milk consumption should provide at least 15% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.

Transformation of the economy and society: motivation for the achievement of Latvian population

Digitalization of Latvian economy is set as a comprehensive and long-term developmental strategy for the society as a whole. The economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic determined the quantitative values for the economic growth score in order to overcome the existing technological gap with leading countries in technological progress, thus aiming to achieve national goal of mobilizing local national resources. The increasing role of information technology in the modern world objectively determines the necessity of training specialists who are able to improve the efficiency of digitalization process. Therefore, development of professional competences is important for the economic growth of the entire society. This article examines such aspect of a human resource as motivation for success, as an essential component for preparing Latvian specialists in the field of IT technologies. The topicality of the study is determined by the fact that there is still a lack of studies in which the content of the concept of achievement motivation is clearly defined. In this study, the content of the concept of achievement motivation was justified. It was discovered that two aspects of motivation of Latvian residents have not been studied in Latvia properly: motivation for success and fear of failure. This study summarizes the aspects of forming the content for the achievement motivation. The aim of the research was to explore motivation towards achievements of Latvian population. The main result of the study: the content of the concept of achievement motivation was determined. It was discovered that there are no statistically significant relationships between the motivation for achievement, age and gender. Methods applied in this study include methods of statistical data analysis: Cronbach's Alpha coefficient that was identified for measuring the reliability and consistency of indicators; Chi-Square tests (χ2); parametric one-way analysis of variance ANOVA; Pearson correlation coefficient (r-Pearson); Mann-Whitney U -test, Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum H -test.

CONNOR-DAVIDSON RESILIENCE SCALE (CD-RISC-25) ADAPTATION IN LATVIAN SAMPLE

The aim of the research was to adapt the full version of Connor-Davidson Resilience scale (CD-RISC-25) in Latvia to gain qualitative and valid psychological measure of assessing resilience. Studying the scientific literature has shown multidimensional nature of resilience construct as well as broaden the knowledge about resilience as complicated psychological construct which can be affected by different factors rising from one’s individual experience and the environment where he comes from. Sample (N=186) in age range 18 to 69 years old (M=37.65; SD=12.07), 75.8% females. Participants filled demographic data questionnaires and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (Connor Davidson, 2003). Scale of 25 items, each rated in 5-point Likert’s scale (0-4), with higher scores reflecting greater resilience. Cronbach’s Alpha for all items varies from .88 to .90 and for scale total α= .89, which proves good internal consistency. Test-retest reliability demonstrated a high level of agreement, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of .93. The Connor-Davidson Resiliency Scale in Latvian sample showed high internal consistency α = .89 and good psychometric properties, same as noted in other studies (Connor Davidson, 2003). This proves CD-RISC-25 as qualitative and a valid measure for further studies of resilience in Latvian population.